Barry Hearn, former PDC chief, reflected on Prince Harry’s appearance at the 2014 World Darts Championship in Alexandra Palace, recalling how the Duke of Sussex struggled to fully relax and interact with the crowd.
Hearn described Harry, 41, as a keen sports fan, especially of polo and rugby. At the event, the crowd erupted into chants of his name, prompting an awkward reaction from the young royal.
“He’d just come out of the army and he’s obviously on a bit of a bender, I think. He brought three mates along. They were great fun,” Hearn said. He explained that strict rules limited Harry’s face appearing on the big screens, allowing just three flashes during the evening. When the audience chanted for a wave, Hearn encouraged Harry to respond, but the Prince hesitated, saying, “I don’t think I’m allowed to.” Hearn called that moment “quite sad.”
Hearn also recounted the rowdy celebrations that night, saying Harry and his friends drank “60 pints of lager” before inviting him and his son, Eddie Hearn, to join an afterparty. “Harry was like any ordinary bloke on a night out with his mates,” he said.
Barry Hearn, 77, chaired the Professional Darts Corporation from 2001, transforming it into the leading darts organisation in the UK and driving a financial boom for the sport. In 2021, he stepped down from the Matchroom Sport Group, passing leadership to his son Eddie.
